Sunset sailing in Kenya Breathe into the silence, marvelling at nature’s nightly fire show. The sun is sinking quickly into the Indian Ocean . The water is smooth as glass, bathed in gold.
Everyone and everything looks more beautiful than at any other time – your friends, the sail’s creamy fabric, the colourful cushions, the dhow’s polished wood propelling you through the water. Read Next Eight easy winter sun destinations for a quick burst of warmth A sunset ride on Hippo Dhow is the antidote to anxiety. It is one of the most meditative experiences you can have on Lamu Island.
Powered by the wind, these boats – which have been plying the East African coastline for centuries – feel timeless. Many serve as a bridge between generations, as the life’s work and livelihood of its captain. Hippo Dhow passed from father to son, and current captain, Yusef.
It is a work of artisan handicraft. Everything from the teak and mangrove wood to the individually formed nails made from melted copper and the specially designed sail exudes love and legacy. Lamu is home to the oldest continuously occupied Swahili town in East Africa .
Dhows, which once served mainly as a source of transport between Lamu, islands in the archipelago and the mainland, are now a source of income. Life moves with the rhythms of the tides on Lamu. The island is void of cars, but there are plenty of donkeys, and more than 400 cats wander its narrow, twisty streets.
There are only a handful of lodging optio.
